The JF-CPIE project is making a real difference in the lives of girls. In Bangladesh, girls are gaining power and protection against harmful situations like violence and abuse.
Kohinur lives in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Her parents are farmers, and she shares the household with her four siblings. Kohinur a courageous girl eager to learn and grow while she studies at 10th grade in High School.
Kohinur encountered a number of upsetting incidents in her neighborhood and on her way to school. She was bullied and mistreated by some young people she knew well. The concern that speaking up would impair her schooling and bring dishonor to her family kept her silent. Sadly, when faced with such difficulties, the traditional response in her culture was to either stop girls’ schooling or drive them into early marriages. The disturbing issue of harassment and inappropriate behavior put a shadow over her family life and regular activities. Because of the norms and ideas that were ingrained in her culture, Kohinur was placed in a painful scenario where she had to deal with threats and abuse.
She was unable to seek assistance or report the incidents because of the pressure to keep family honor and a lack of knowledge about Child Rights. Kohinur said: “I was feeling helpless after experiencing the harassments from the people I know. I was afraid of speaking up because my family and my community will blame me for this and it will affect my education and my family’s reputation. It’s unfair, but I didn’t know what to do about it.”
“I was afraid of speaking up because my family and my community will blame me for this and it will affect my education and my family’s reputation. It’s unfair, but I didn’t know what to do about it“
To combat the concerns of child rights violation by strengthen community-based Child protection mechanisms and empowering the adolescent the JF-CPiE project started implantation from July 5, 2022. The main activities of the project are:
1) awareness raising sessions with adolescents,
2) Awareness session with parents, care givers, Community people and local elites.
3) Meeting with School management committee and Parents teacher Association.
4) Champions of Change session with adolescents.
5) Monthly Parents meeting.
6) Positive parenting session.
7) CBCP led awareness session with children, adolescent, parent and community people.
In December 2022, Kohinur was enrolled in the project activities. She participated in monthly meetings for the adolescent groups and actively participated in 25 engaging sessions of Integrated Child Protection, Gender, and Life Skills training, aiming to empower adolescent girls like Kohinur to become agents of social change, particularly in addressing child protection issues within their community. Alongside her parents were enrolled in monthly Parents group meeting and quarterly positive parenting session with an aim of strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms. After attending the sessions her parents realized that the conventional way of addressing Child Protection risks were not good for the children specially for the girls.
After engaging the JF-CPIE project activity she learned about child rights, recognizing the difference between acceptable and inappropriate touch, and establishing personal boundaries. These newfound skills empowered Kohinur to confidently confront and speak out against inappropriate behavior. She began open conversations with her friends and family, spreading awareness and inspiring others to advocate for change. Kohinur’s dream to pursue her studies now is shining brighter than ever, fueled by the knowledge and skills she gained from the project would enable her to conquer any challenges and accomplish her goals. Understanding Child Protection risks and prevention mechanisms, her parents have started thinking differently and helping her to share her concerns with her parents without fear. She is now more confident and equipped to handle inappropriate behavior, harassment, and abuse. Her proactive approach has resulted in greater awareness among her friends and schoolmates, creating a ripple effect within the community.
The JF-CPIE project initiative has had a significant impact on Kohinur’s life and the lives of other girls like her. They have been empowered with knowledge and skills to protect themselves from child protection risks, including gender-based violence. This story demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, girls can dream big and work towards achieving their goals when provided with the necessary knowledge and support. In the future, she dreams to have a platform where she can directly play a role for her community and work intensively to address Child Protection risks.
Kohinur’s confidently states: “Now I understand that if anyone touches us inappropriately, we should immediately protest. We have the right to protect ourselves, and we should never be afraid to speak up, even if the person is a relative.”
Kohinur is now a member of the Adolescent Group under the JF-CPIE project.
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 | This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance. |